"Buell has produced a very insightful description and critical analysis of the landscape of America's most serious problems and how they are understood by a public at the mercy of powerful and often hysterical cultural and political voices. He shows us how comparatively non-influential perspectives could alter the American landscape and ameliorate its most serious stresses and strains if they were translated into public policies. I strongly recommend this book for undergraduates as well as graduate students and professionals." - Morton Schoolman, professor of Political Science, State University of New York at Albany